Makoto does hesitate briefly, as Absinthe calls back. For a moment, there is that realization that there was probably no taking back their decision, once they entered (or at least, no going back on it without drawing too much attention to themself.) Going in would be opening the Pandora's Box, and within would either be the reassurance that they were as human now as they were before...

... Or, they'd learn something about themself less than pleasant.

They take a deep breath in, holding it for a second, before exhaling. Whatever happens... Whatever they're told, they are still themself. Howard is still Howard, and they are still Makoto.

So, they open the door, and step inside.

The smell of chemicals and the dead hits them immediately; while they might be able to pick out maybe one or two scents if they tried, everything else was a dizzying mess that almost left them lightheaded.

But, they persevered forward - closing the door behind them and stepping forth. "You're... Absinthe, right?" They questioned - adding "I'm Makoto. I, uhm... I heard of you, from Admin Fox and Beast Quinn." Howard and Tempest.

Makoto felt as pinned as the Beautiflies on the wall, under Absinthe's gaze. Green met green - though if it came down to it, Makoto would've blinked first.

They are thankful then, that she was just as much focused on cleaning her workstation as she was on them. They watch somewhat - more focused upon the scientist than her work - as she sets aside beakers and bottles and the like. None of the chemicals here looked as though they'd bode well for anyone, none of them seemed like something you'd see a professor or doctor employ.

Through and through, she was a scientist - a scientist of death, perhaps. But to understand death, you had to understand life as well, Makoto imagined - so she would still do for what they needed. So, they responded "I've... Heard that you're an intelligent woman. Good with research and intel alike..."

Makoto pauses a second, considering, before adding "... And... that you'd keep things confidential, if I asked."

Their own gaze is appraising now. Even if most of Absinthe's face is hidden, they know that there are still plenty of muscles around the eyes that express just as much as the mouth. Squints at the corners from one's smiles, the quirks of one's eyebrows... They watch for any tells that'd imply whether they'd be able to trust her.

The promise made sets Makoto at ease. There is still an undercurrent of uncertainty, the sort that they hold for every Rocket that they're unfamiliar with - the uncertainty of 'can I really trust them?'... But they allow themself to push those uncertainties away, for at least this once.

"I'm... In possession of a Deoxys, named Erebus." This is no secret - at least within Rocket. "During the fighting in Mossdeep... My end of things had gotten out of hand - and when we were outnumbered and got backed into a corner, Erebus... Temporarily fused with me." Symbiosis still felt like the wrong word, for how much the events had left them shaken.

Makoto takes in a deep breath, before exhaling slow. It was a bit easier to recount it all, but it still felt that slightest bit raw to talk about. "I worry that... Even if everything about me still looks fine on the surface, that there might have been lingering effects. That underneath the skin, there's something about me that's no longer the same..."

That there could still be pieces of Erebus left behind.

"I want you to give me a check up - to analyze me for anything that... isn't normal. I've brought Erebus with me, if you need it as a reference point."